Carpets are one thing in the house that you always want looking and smelling fresh, but the use of a costly steam cleaner or a toxic dry carpet cleaner powder from the store are not the only way to keep floors clean. Using a group of simple ingredients you may already have at home, it's possible to make an eco-friendly, cost-effective carpet cleaning powder. This recipe from PopSugar is one option that uses five to six simple ingredients: baking soda, cornstarch, cornmeal, bay leaves, whole cloves and Borax, which is optional.

While the baking soda helps with deep cleaning and deodorizing, ingredients like the cloves and bay leaves help to leave behind a pleasant scent and antibacterial properties. This cleaning solution is easily replenished, making it ideal for people who are conscious about effectively managing the cost of their health and home.